Defining Luxury

The world’s top-dollar charter yachts are all special, but not all for the same reason.

By Kim Kavin

LUXURY is a word that, more and more often, means personalization. Just because something comes with a monumental price tag doesn’t mean it’s luxurious—at least not to everyone. Some people define luxury as being able to heli-ski and water-ski on the same day. Others believe luxury must include a massage and a soak in a hot tub. Still others see luxury as having the digital world at their fingertips while being as far away from civilization as a yacht can cruise.

All of these experiences are luxurious, but the personalized nature of each is what, ultimately, makes them worth the indulgence. Here are a half-dozen of our favorite top-dollar charter yachts, along with the unique features that create experiences hard to match at any price point.

Wellness is a primary focus aboard 214-foot (65.5-meter) AmelsImagine, which has an enclosed sundeck gymnasium along with a steam room whose design is on par with those at five-star, shore-side spas worldwide. Just forward of the gym are a pool and separate hot tub for a post-workout soak with a bird’s-eye view of the surroundings. Enjoy the space as often as you’d like at a weekly base rate of €530,000 (about $595,000).For more information: 954 463 0600, fraseryachts.com

A refreshing dip is made all the more spectacular when the pool has a 360-degree view of the sea. Aboard 239-foot (73-meter) Picchiotti Vitruvius Grace E from Perini Navi Group, the €595,000 (about $667,000) weekly base rate includes some of the best water views in the world, complete with an aft windscreen and in-pool jets that provide resistance should you want to swim laps without leaving the yacht.For more information: 212 223 0410, burgessyachts.com

Aboard 257-foot (78.3-meter) LürssenTV, charter guests enjoy not only a sundeck hot tub, but also a pool with resistance jets that abuts a swim-up bar. Burn some calories, have a cocktail to get up your courage and then step a few feet over to the water slide for a thrilling plunge to the sea. Repeat as needed at a weekly base rate of €850,000 (about $950,000) until you feel like a kid again.For more information: +377 93 30 54 44, edmistoncompany.com

TV

Icon

The recent stern extension aboard 221-foot (67.5-meter) Icon, built by Icon Yachts, created one of the most expansive teak beach guest spaces in the global charter industry. When the transom folds out to create a swim platform, it is adjacent to an indoor-outdoor bar and just a few steps down from an onboard pool. No beachfront hotel can come close to the water-level views offered by this charter yacht at a weekly base rate of €500,000 (about $560,000).For more information: 561 655 2121, camperandnicholsons.com

Icon

Martha Ann

When the day’s water sports are done, you’ve had a refreshing shower and you’re ready to enjoy a gourmet meal, the dining environment should match your highest expectations. Outdoor dining is of course available aboard 230-foot (70.1-meter) LürssenMartha Ann, but for formal occasions, her indoor dining room is impeccable. Note the extra space designed behind the guest seating, to allow service that seems invisible: a nice touch at a weekly base rate of €600,000 (about $674,000).For more information: 954 522 2323, iyc.com

Perini Navi built The Maltese Falcon as a 289-foot (88-meter) technological marvel, with much ado made about her groundbreaking sail-handling system. For charter guests, though, a standout feature is the interior décor, which includes substantial, stop-in-your-tracks pieces of contemporary and modern art. At a weekly base rate of €385,000 (about $432,000), the entrance fee is slightly higher than at the MoMA or Guggenheim, but the viewing experience is priceless.For more information: 401 619 2200, perininavi.it